Diesel a winner in efficiency

Okay, they might not be as funny as a David Letterman Top 10 list, but they do get better mileage. Four diesel-powered vehicles placed among the Top 10 fuel economy leaders, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) The Volkswagen New Beetle, Golf, Jetta, and Jetta Wagon diesel models are the vehicles included in the efficiency rankings.

"This annual report highlights the near-term energy saving benefits of more clean diesel cars, pick-ups and SUVs in the U.S.," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "These rankings underscore the role advanced diesel technology could play in improving U.S. fuel economy and energy security."

Diesel-powered passenger vehicles range from 20 to 40 percent more fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline-powered vehicles. Today's diesels have also made tremendous advances in exhaust controls and after-treatment technology, leading to reduced emissions.

A recent DOE study forecast a tremendous increase in diesel-powered cars, pick-ups and SUVs, estimating that diesels could command four to seven percent of the U.S. market by 2012. Diesel-powered vehicles currently make up less than one percent of U.S. passenger vehicles. The DOE report, Future Potential of Hybrid and Diesel Powertrains in the U.S. Light-Duty Vehicle Market, will not only provide light night-table reading, it also joins a growing chorus of projections on the near-term energy saving benefits of an increase in clean diesel technology.

According to the report, gradually increasing Americans' use of currently available clean diesel technologies to levels seen today in Europe would reduce net crude oil imports by 350,000 barrels per day by 2020.

"This year, consumers have more choices than ever before, with four new diesel vehicle models coming to the U.S. market," stated Schaeffer. "Along with the proven acceptance and sustained growth to a 75 percent market share for diesel engines in larger pick-up trucks, the American auto market is poised to fully embrace more models of advanced clean diesel technology."

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